"We have more than 20 vendors participating, some with free tests and screenings, others with health information and more," said BJ's Community Relations Specialist Sandra Aguilar. "This is our third year of doing this event. We have received great feedback from the community because it is a free event and community members are able to come and get a lot of health information."

Some of the attendees and what they will offer including free vision screening from BJ's Optical, a blood drive and more from Lee Memorial Health Systems, health information from the American Red Cross, along with Axis Natural Medicine, Main Street Orthodontics, and more, including flu shots. Some services are free, some will be discounted.

"For child safety, we are having the Cape Coral Police Department doing crime prevention concerning children. The American Red Cross will definitely be getting us ready with hurricane preparedness and more," Aguilar said.

"The great thing about working with Lee Memorial is that their blood donations stay local and support our local residents."

Fact Box

If You Go:

Who

BJ's Wholesale Club

What

Health, Wellness and Safety Expo

When

Saturday, Aug. 25

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where

1929 Pine Island Rd., NE

Cost and information

Free

829-3300

She said Lee Memorial also will have information from their Wellness Center, teaching how to keep healthy and about exercising."

"We are excited to participant Saturday at BJ's, especially with the Bloodmobile," said Lee Memorial Director of Community Affairs Karen Krieger.

Concerning donating blood, "All one needs is to weigh at least 115 pounds, be over 17 years of age or 16 with parental consent, and people must provide a photo ID if they are a new donor."

Krieger said each time you donate blood you receive a mini-physical at no cost.

She also noted that single pint of blood can help save the lives of several people.

"Your platelets may go to a child with leukemia, plasma to a patient with a clotting problem and the red blood cells to an accident victim," Krieger said.

The system needs about 800 donors a week to replenish the donor supply.

The event itself will be inside the club.

"There will be door prizes, DJ Tony, different arts and crafts for the kids, balloon artist and stilt walker Way to Tall Torrie who is always a lot of fun, face painting and more, all free to our local community," said Aguilar.

The event also introduces non-profit groups and business to community members who may not know what they do.

"BJ's is proud to support the local organizations participating, opening our doors for them to promote their group or business. It doesn't cost them anything to participate, and is a way for us to give back to the community as well. And people have lots of fun when they come," she said.